‘Kath’ is out of the bag: Kathryn Bernardo now a Madame Tussauds icon
‘My wax figure is a reminder that big dreams are valid, and Filipino talent belongs on the global stage.’
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‘My wax figure is a reminder that big dreams are valid, and Filipino talent belongs on the global stage.’
SCENE from ‘Hello, Love, Goodbye’ starring Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards in Hong Kong.
Filipino superstar Kathryn Bernardo has become the latest Filipino Celebrity to be immortalized by Madame Tussauds Hong Kong with her first-ever wax figure. The lifelike replica will soon take its permanent place at the attraction, where fans from around the world can see it up close.
More than a museum, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong is an interactive attraction where visitors can step into the spotlight alongside some of the world’s biggest names. From the Hong Kong Glamour Zone and Fashion Zone to the Music Icon and K-Wave Zone, guests can pose with remarkably realistic figures of celebrities, cultural trailblazers and global stars.
Kathryn becomes the fifth Filipino to be immortalized by Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, joining beauty queens Pia Wurtzbach and Catriona Gray, boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and actress-host Anne Curtis.
“We recognize true Filipino talent that shines through different industries and categories. From pageants, sports, TV and even film. We can attest to the fact that Filipino talents and their supporters really are something else, so we do our best to continue growing this relationship and reach more Filipino audiences in our attraction,” Gateway Hong Kong, Merlin Entertainments general manager Wade Chang said.
It is a fitting recognition for one of the country’s biggest stars. Since making her acting debut as a child in 2003, Kathryn has grown into one of Philippine entertainment’s most bankable actresses, starring in blockbuster hits such as The Hows of Us, A Very Good Girl and Hello, Love, Goodbye — a film set in Hong Kong.
Her films have broken box-office records, her performances have earned critical acclaim — including the Best Actress award at the 72nd FAMAS Awards in 2024 — and her influence extends far beyond the screen as one of the country’s most recognizable faces for local and global brands.
The unveiling became a celebration of Kathryn’s journey, bringing together her family, close friends from the entertainment industry, media partners and fans from the Philippines and overseas who flew in to witness the historic reveal. After the ceremony, the exhibit opened to the public, allowing visitors to take photos with her wax figure before it heads to Hong Kong.
Her wax twin recreates Kathryn’s look from the 2023 Outstanding Asian Star Awards in Seoul, where she received international recognition. Every detail — from her signature smile to the intricate styling — was carefully handcrafted by Madame Tussauds artists to capture her elegance and unmistakable charm.
The figure is dressed in the original gown designed by Filipino designer Martin Bautista, commemorating a milestone in Kathryn’s career as she represented the Philippines on the international stage and reflecting the growing recognition of Filipino talent.
“My wax figure is a reminder that big dreams are valid, and Filipino talent belongs on the global stage. At the end of the day, I’m just so proud to be here as a Filipina, and I hope it makes everyone feel the same about who we are and what we can do,” Kathryn said.
Starting 17 July, Kathryn’s “Kath-twin” will take its place at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, where visitors can strike a pose and snap a selfie alongside one of the Philippines’ brightest stars.
